Looking back over the past year my region, the North East, has a lot to be proud of. The total value of our exports is now back at pre-recession levels, with latest figures showing the annual total at £12.7 billion.
That’s a healthy position for us to be in and there were many other reasons to celebrate during the year, with two highly successful Export Weeks to encourage more companies to export, the launch of our MSB (Medium-Sized Business) support package and an extra £20m to help first time exporters.
Thinking about all we’ve achieved in 2014 I was trying to think how many opportunities there are for exporters next year … and I guess there must be about two thousand and fifteen!
New exporters can indulge in an exciting set of opportunities to win business, develop business learning, spread risk, acquire knowledge and grow profits in so many ways with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
The range of opportunities to gain business is amazing in 2015:
- Expo Milan starts in April
- Two more Export weeks in May and November
- A host of sporting opportunities including the Rugby World Cup showcase and the Africa Cup of Nations;
- The launch of UKTI’s new digital business advisory service
- North East market visits will include Arab Health (26-29 January) and Gulf Food (8-12 February) both in Dubai, as well as Benelux and South Africa early in the new year
- Reciprocal visits to the region by many countries, including Canada, USA, Brazil and Benelux
- You can also sign your business up for UKTI Biz Opps offering direct emails on contract opportunities every day of the year around the globe!
- 2015 is the international Year of Light, with lighting events and conferences worldwide all year
- The Eurasia Economic Union comes into formal existence
- Lithuania will adopt the Euro
- The US economy is set to surge forward again
- The new Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership concludes (fingers crossed)
- The BRIC Summit in July
- An IMF Forecast for 2015 of 3.2% global growth
- And many many more!
I am so pleased that UKTI has helped North East businesses win around £75m+ of new business orders this year and has contributed to many exporters developing their business overseas.
UKTI will be every bit as supportive and more going forward as our partners expand to help the 2020 Export Challenge, and for the North East that would mean getting somewhere near £20bn in Exports!
We can all do our bit – if you know a business that isn’t exporting then do introduce them to UKTI, and we'll do the rest !
Happy New Exporting Year!
2 comments
Comment by Zed posted on
Dear Sirs/Madam,
I have lots of contacts in several countries, some experience of exporting, I need UKTI help and Guidance to establish a setup, preferably at home, initially, and Jumpstart exporting in 2015 to the Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan, India and China. I have over 35 years of Contracts, Procurement and Commercial Management experience and background in London (11) years, and Saudi Arabia (25 years).
Please let me have your advise
Kind Regards
Comment by Diane Brodie posted on
Hi
If you'd like export advice from UKTI , and are based in the UK, please find your local office here
http://www.uktiofficefinder.ukti.gov.uk/